MaiJazz startet in 1989 and is one of the Stavanger region’s oldest festivals. From the small beginning until today, the festival has grown solid and great. MaiJazz has become one of the leading recurring cultural events in the Stavanger region. Like most cultural projects, MaiJazz also had a challenging start, and it was not a given that we would succeed. We can safely say that the festival is the result of a strong interaction between skilled artists, passionate volunteers, supportive politicians, loyal sponsors and, not least, an ever-growing and competent audience. Everyone has, in their own way, played a decisive role in developing the festival into one of the country’s leaders in its category. MaiJazz is keen to play a role in the exciting development and challenges facing the Stavanger region.
One of Sweden’s former Ministers of Culture, Bengt Göransson once said: “Culture is a source of deepening, insight and commitment – laying the foundation for social participation and democracy. Insight can change people who in turn can change their surroundings and the world”. MaiJazz will contribute to music enjoyment, insight, and reflection. But of course, also for good entertainment, good experiences, and life in the city. We have contributed to the region with artists such as Jan Garbarek, Pat Metheney Group, Herbie Hancock, E.S.T, Joe Zawinul, Youssou N’dour, Chick Corea – to name a few of those who have visited Stavanger and MaiJazz.
We know we must constantly develop – MaiJazz wants to be a driving force in cultural development in the region. In recent years, the established collaboration with the University of Stavanger has really gained momentum. Bjergsted Jazz Ensemble is an important part of the festival. The series “Tett på en Helt” (Blå:Trå series at Stavanger Jazzforum) has become one of the most popular among students at the Faculty of Performing Arts (FUK). The collaboration with Stavanger Cathedral School / Music, Dance and Drama, and the Cultural School in Bjergsted / Unge Talents Bjergsted is about the development of musicians, music and cultural in the region and, not least, development of and for the audience.
Stavanger Jazzforum has overseen the stage Spor:5 since 2015, and for MaiJazz, the stage has been a “home ground” ever since. We aim for that Spor:5 will play an important part in the future as well.
Festival orgANIZATION:
Per Hasse Andersen, Festival leader, email: hasse.andersen@maijazz.no – mobil +47 95261814
Hanne Bernhardt Buvik, Deputy leader, email: hanne@maijazz.no
Erik Berthelsen – Festival coordinator, Jørund Østebø-Bjåstad – Production, Jens Borge – Technical, Åse Flatjord – ticket, Paul Chr Bull – transport, Jorunn Hagesæter – festival office, Svein Erik Fylkesnes – foto, Sveinung Pedersen – IT
PR and marketing – Ivar Oftedal, Hanne Bernhardt Buvik, Dinamo/John Rørdam
Team for programming:
Per Hasse Andersen, Hanne Bernhardt Buvik, Andreas Risanger Meland, Ivar Oftedal, Roy Jahrn Holtan
Program collaborators: Jazzfest Trondheim – Ernst Wiggo Sandbakk, Nasjonale Jazzscene
Team for educational initiative for children and young people:
Adrian Børtveit Tvedten, Per Hasse Andersen, Hanne Bernhardt Buvik
